Billy O'Neill was a hot prospect in the Harchester United youth academy and went on to make his debut when he came on as a substitute against Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day 1998.
O'Neill went on to play one more game all season and that was a full game in the FA Cup 6th Round at home to Birmingham City. He was offered a professional contract by the club at the end of the season.
In his second season, O'Neill became a first team regular but also had to put up with the tragedy of losing his best friend, Leon Richards, in the tragic air crash.
After a great season personally on the pitch, O'Neill went on to join Harry Redknapp's West Ham United in the summer. He'd previously rejected a move to the Hammers just four months before.
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